James City names Community Services Acting Managers, after Conyers receives gubernatorial appointment

James City County Administrator Sandy Wanner has named two County employees to new leadership roles following the gubernatorial appointment of Community Services Manager Anthony Conyers as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services.

"The County values Tony Conyers' service to the community and the James City County organization," Wanner said. "We are proud that he is a staff member who has been recognized on the state level for his insights and leadership. This opportunity will give him the chance to influence the future of statewide social services programs and strategies. It also gives the County an opportunity to move two employees into new leadership positions."

Effective immediately, Doug Powell has been named Acting Manager and Barbara Watson has been named Acting Assistant Manager for Community Services. Powell has served as Assistant Manager for Community Services since 1995 and Watson has served as Neighborhood Connections Director since 2002.

"Doug and Barbara are both highly qualified managers who are well prepared for their new assignments through the County's succession management program," Wanner said. Powell served as Assistant County Administrator and Watson served as Assistant Community Services Manager through six month temporary assignments in 2003.

"To say I leave James City County with mixed emotions is the ultimate understatement. I love it and feel like I have gained much more than I have given as a result of my tenure here," said Conyers, who joined the County in 1976. "I will continue to live here and my heart will always be here and with the great people and dear friends that I have come to know."

Powell joined the County after serving as Nelson County Administrator from 1994-1995. He has a master's in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor's degree in government from the College of William Mary.

Watson joined the County in 1986 as a technician for Virginia Cooperative Extension. She has a bachelor's in government administration from Christopher Newport University and an associate's degree in human services from Thomas Nelson Community College.

In addition to the staff reassignments, Neighborhood Connections along with Watson will move under the direction of Community Services from the Human Resource Department effective July 1. Neighborhood Connections' Resource Office will remain at 5248 Olde Towne Road until it moves with Community Services to the new Ironbound Village offices off Ironbound Road.